Beneva Black Ouzts

Beneva Black Ouzts passed away peacefully at home on November 10, 2025 at age 102. She was predeceased by her parents Benjamin Otis and Eva Pickens  Black, her brothers, James and John Black, her Husband, William C. Ouzts, her son Charles Key, step children, Carolyn Greer and Elaine Martin, grandchild Dana Tomlin and great grandchild Brandon Key.She is survived by her daughters, Tara Whitfield and Cherry Wall, both of Columbia and numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren and great, great grandchildren. Beneva, affectionally known as “Honey Bee” by family members, and our “Bird Lady” by Garden Council and Bay Blossom members will be remembered for her smiling face and upbeat demeanor and that always twinkle in her eye. Beneva attended Columbia College where she was member of the May Day Court and remained a loyal supporter of the Alumni Association. She especially loved decorating for many special  occasions and events over the  years at her beloved college.  she was a founding member of the Bay Blossom Garden Club and the Garden Club Council of Greater Columbia where she served several terms as president and with whom she remained active until recent years. Her  monthly bird reports were always informative and many times humorous as  she loved to include the “love life” of her subjects. Her membership in the  Bay Blossom Garden Club garnered her many life-long friendships, especially with her dear friend, Doris Kahn with whom she had a running  competition on who could make the best cheese straws. She was active in the City of Columbia’s many endeavors while supporting  her husband’s duties as a city councilman and the voice of the SC Gamecocks football team. She often spoke of the good times she and her  husband had on their many traveling adventures. She was a member of the Shandon United Methodist Church where she   was an active member of the Wesley Sunday school class.  A Graveside service will be held December 5th at 12:00 noon at Elmwood  Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Garden Club Council of Greater Columbia, P.O.  Box 50554, Columbia, S.C. 29250 or to Shannon United Methodist Church,